European Commission’s decision to allocate EUR 7.7 million to Latvian dairy farmers as support due to the Russian embargo may cover only two months’ worth of losses to the industry. With that, farmer organizations plan to protest in Brussels, as noted by interviewed leaders of such organizations.

Chairman of the Farmers’ Saeima Juris Lazdiņš notes that the exact period of time the aforementioned amount of support is supposed to cover is not yet known. Meanwhile, the Russian embargo has created damage to Latvia’s dairy industry worth several dozen million euros.

«If the published amount is meant to cover one month, EUR 7.7 million is an adequate compensation. However, if EUR 7.7 million is intended as support for the entire period of losses, the situation in the sector will not be helped in any way. This amount is barely enough to cover two months’ worth of losses. The European Commission has to explain which period of time this compensation is expected to cover. Latvia, on the other hand has to review its estimates in regard to losses,» – said Lazdiņš.

He added that Latvian farmers are prepared to take part in the protest acts planned by their Finnish and Baltic colleagues in Brussels this December.

«Although the first help signal has been received from the EC, farmers of Baltic States and Finland will continue to inform EU officials of the critical situation they are in. They also plan to travel to Brussels in the near future,» – said Lazdiņš.

This Tuesday, November 18th, the European Commission agreed to allocate EUR 28 million as support to Estonian, Latvian and Latvian dairy farmers. This amount is intended to cover losses caused by the Russian embargo, according to a report from the EC.

It is planned that Estonia will be provided EUR 6.9 million, Latvia – EUR 7.7 million and Lithuania – EUR 14.1 million.

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